Online Program

324792
Statewide Support Network to Improve Breastfeeding Rates in Arkansas


Monday, November 2, 2015

Erin Bush, RNC-MNN, South Central Telehealth Resource Center, UAMS Center for Distance Health, Little Rock, AR
Sarah Kinder, PhD, DNP, APRN, College of Medicine, UAMS Center for Distance Health, Little Rock, AR
background
Breastfeeding rates in Arkansas are among the worst in the nation, and breastfeeding care reflects those findings, with the state ranking 51 out of 53 nationally in infant care processes, policies, and staffing expectations (CDC mPINC Survey, 2013). Further, no hospital in Arkansas has Baby Friendly Status, the “gold standard” in breastfeeding support (WHO, 201X) Telemedicine leaders at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) learned several Arkansas groups sought to improve breastfeeding rates but were unaware of each other’s work.

methods
UAMS contacted each group to establish meetings that exchanged common resources, consistent language, and shared vision/goals. An interagency, interdisciplinary planning committee developed targeted interventions, including the first-ever statewide breastfeeding symposium. The statewide telemedicine network united rural and urban communities through interactive video to move toward these goals.

results
The statewide breastfeeding symposium reached XXX community members, policymakers, and healthcare professionals for interdisciplinary education and networking. Streaming was available for off-site attendees. Attendees designed a 15-hour, online educational series covering training needed to attain Baby Friendly Status. Partnerships forged also resulted in a “tele-lactation” program that connects lactation nurses with inpatient mothers in remote hospitals through interactive video for lactation and breastfeeding guidance.

conclusions
Symposium evaluation results:
• 129 nurses, physicians, health educators, dieticians, lactation consultants, community health workers attended
• 37% will change practice due to symposium.
Working together, the seven groups hosting the symposium feel confident their diverse services can enrich breastfeeding awareness and support for Arkansas’s women and likely raise breastfeeding rates in time.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Administration, management, leadership
Communication and informatics
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related nursing

Learning Objectives:
Describe strategies for improving breastfeeding rates in primarily rural states using coalitions, existing resources, and telemedicine.

Keyword(s): Telehealth, Breastfeeding

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Director of the Telehealth Resource Center, I have a BSN in Nursing and am a PhD student in the UAMS College of Nursing. I was a planner of the symposium reference in the abstract and I sit on the Arkansas Breastfeeding Coalition and the Baby Friendly Committee. I am a nationally certified Maternal Newborn Nurse.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.